Simon Reicher’s journey to Styria’s Red Bull Ring was only a stone’s throw from his home in Kirchberg. A 4,318 meter circuit leading through the alpine region of Reicher’s homeland. The ADAC TCR Germany’s second race was on last weekend’s agenda, taking place June 9-11, 2017 in Austria. The youngster from certainty.nl-Team was highly motivated for this race and, despite dents and scratches, ended up celebrating a fantastic weekend.

Things already looked perfect during Thursday and Friday’s free practice sessions. “We were very fast, the car’s set-up is great and everything seems to fit splendidly”, explained the sympathetic young man. The qualification followed and with it came the first scratches on his car’s bodywork. “I can’t believe it! Everything is going so well, I’m super motivated, I know I’m quick and the team’s work is outstanding, and then I mess up the session!”, he was annoyed that he hadn’t delivered up to his abilities. While the Austrian was placing in 16^th during free practice, he only managed 31^st place for the race’s starting grid. But the 17-year-old demonstrated fighting spirit: “I will pursue every opportunity in the race to gain positions.” He said it – and he did it, putting his plan into action and launching a successful offensive. “I couldn’t believe my ears, when my mechanics shouted to me that I finished the race in 14^th place and as the fastest rookie”, gleamed Reicher. The second race was even more action-packed – a short trip through the gravel and driving alongside two other cars through the Rauch corner left a few traces on both Reicher’s car and placement. Nonetheless, a respectable 22^nd-place finish and second fastest rookie. “That was some turbulent racing, but I am super happy. My goal was a top-15 finish and I did it. My car suffered some bodywork damage, but otherwise it was an awesome weekend!”, the teenage-driver reported euphorically. After all, he is returning home with the precious rookie trophy and is now tied for first position in the Junior-Classification.

The young Austrian finds himself in a great position to tackle the rest of the season, whereby this weekend’s experiences boosted his confidence level significantly. He does hope, however, to have just a little bit more luck next week, July 16-18, 2017, at the TCR Italy in Monza. After his guest-appearance in the Italian series, Reicher will return to the Motorsport Arena Oschersleben July 9-11 for the second time this season. His predictions for both of these events: “None! During my first weekend in Oschersleben, we learned that it’s not all about the driver. The technology and weather, particularly in places like Oschersleben, can wreak chaos and have the best-laid plans of motorsports go awry.”